How to Stay Awake without Caffeine

Step away from the caffeine! Stay peppy and awake the all-natural way.

Step 1: Eat right Eat plenty of protein, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid overeating starchy foods like pastas, breads, and rice. They can make you drowsy.
TIP: Snack on almonds and cashews, which contain magnesium, a mineral that converts sugar into energy.
Step 2: Stay moving Stay moving. Go for a brisk 10-minute walk to give you a boost that could last up to two hours.
Step 3: Get a quick jolt Splash cold water on your face and pulse points and expose yourself to bright light for a temporary jolt of energy.
Step 4: Have some decaf Try the placebo effect. One study found that drinking a cup of decaf coffee left most people feeling just as awake as drinking the real thing.
TIP: If you need to be up late, take a preemptive nap to keep from nodding off; it's more effective than caffeine at keeping people up and alert.
Step 5: Use aromatherapy Use stimulating smells. The scent of peppermint and rosemary essential oils has been shown to increase alertness. So breathe deep and enjoy a natural, caffeine-free boost of energy.
FACT: In 1965 17-year-old Randy Gardner stayed awake for 11 days straight for a science fair.